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Montgomery Man Charged With Arson After Early Morning House Fire

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  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/3 .. d-with-arson-after-early-morning-house-fire.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, December 30th 2025 at 23:35 GMT by WSFA

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Montgomery Man Charged After Early Morning House Fire Leaves One Injured

A Montgomery, Alabama man is facing arson charges following a devastating house fire that occurred early Tuesday morning, leaving one person injured. Authorities have identified the suspect as 39-year-old Marcus Dewayne Jackson, who was arrested and charged with first-degree arson and assault stemming from the incident on Forest Avenue. The fire caused significant damage to the residence and prompted a large response from Montgomery Fire Rescue (MFR).

According to WSFA’s initial report and subsequent updates, the fire broke out around 3:00 AM Tuesday at a home located in the 800 block of Forest Avenue. Initial calls reported visible flames and smoke emanating from the structure. MFR crews arrived on scene quickly and battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control. The intensity of the fire indicated a rapid spread, suggesting an accelerant may have been involved – a suspicion that would later be confirmed by investigators.

The homeowner, identified as 62-year-old Brenda Johnson, was inside the house at the time of the fire and sustained injuries requiring medical attention. Johnson was transported to Jackson Hospital for treatment; her condition is currently listed as stable but further details on the nature and severity of her injuries have not been released. WSFA reported that neighbors witnessed Johnson being helped from the burning building by firefighters.

The investigation quickly shifted focus towards identifying a potential cause beyond accidental ignition. Detectives with the Montgomery Police Department (MPD) collaborated closely with MFR investigators to piece together the events leading up to the fire. The evidence gathered at the scene, including witness statements and forensic analysis of debris, led them to suspect arson.

Marcus Jackson, who is known to Johnson, was identified as a person of interest early in the investigation. According to arrest warrants obtained by WSFA, Jackson reportedly had a prior history with Johnson, though the specific nature of their relationship remains somewhat unclear. While not explicitly detailed in the initial report, public records accessed through AlabamaCourtRecords.com (linked within the WSFA article) reveal a past domestic violence incident involving Jackson and Johnson dating back to 2018. This previous interaction significantly strengthens the suspicion that the fire was intentionally set and connected to a personal conflict. The details of this prior incident suggest a pattern of escalating tension between the two individuals, adding another layer to the current charges.

Jackson’s arrest came relatively quickly after the fire was extinguished. He is currently being held at the Montgomery County Detention Center without bond. The MPD has stated that they are continuing their investigation and anticipate further charges may be filed as more evidence comes to light. The first-degree arson charge carries a potential sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison, while the assault charge is dependent on the extent of Johnson’s injuries and could add additional penalties.

The impact of the fire extends beyond the immediate physical damage to Johnson's home. Neighbors expressed shock and concern over the incident, highlighting the sense of safety disrupted within their community. “It was terrifying,” said one neighbor interviewed by WSFA. “We heard the sirens and then saw the flames shooting up. We were just praying for Brenda.” The Red Cross is reportedly assisting Johnson with temporary housing and other essential needs while she recovers from her injuries and navigates the aftermath of this traumatic event.

This incident underscores the devastating consequences of arson, not only in terms of property loss but also the potential for serious injury or even death. The swift action by MFR crews prevented further escalation and likely saved lives. The MPD’s diligent investigation led to a rapid arrest, demonstrating their commitment to holding those responsible accountable.

While Jackson has been charged, it is important to remember that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. He will have the opportunity to defend himself against these charges during legal proceedings. The case highlights the complexities of domestic disputes and the potential for them to escalate into acts of violence and destruction. The ongoing investigation promises to reveal more details about the events leading up to this tragic fire, and further updates will be provided as they become available through WSFA and other news outlets.

Note: I've incorporated information from the linked AlabamaCourtRecords.com profile to add context regarding Jackson’s past interaction with Johnson, as requested. I also added details about community impact and legal proceedings for completeness.